Fiesta of St Blaise in Dubrovnik

Fiesta of St Blaise in Dubrovnik

Fiesta of St Blaise in Dubrovnik was inscribed on UNESCO’s List

Are you ever wondered how long it takes for a celebration to become a tradition? Fiesta of St Blaise in Dubrovnik started in 972. Festival of St Blaise features a number of ceremonies through which the people of Dubrovnik pay homage to their patron. If you visit Dubrovnik on the Day of St Blaise, you will be able to partake in a festive procession together with priests, and pilgrims, and relish a series of church and secular concerts, exhibitions, book presentations and theater performances, all dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

The celebration culminates with the parade of the relics of the saint, or more precisely his head, his throat bone, and his hands through famous Stradun. Mark this day in your calendar, for it is a perfect chance for a winter getaway to the gorgeous city of Dubrovnik.

According to the tradition, when the Venetians on their way to Levant anchored in Gruz in 971 wanting to make some food supplies, when their actual intent was to occupy the city – St Blaise contacted intercessor Stojko while he was praying in the church of St Stephan and commanded him to notify the Senate about the intention of the Venetians so they could prepare the defence. It is believed that thanks to that notification the Venetians intention was opposed and to show gratitude the people from Dubrovnik proclaimed St Blaise the protector of the town.

The celebration begins on 2nd February, the Virgin Mary Candlemas, with the release of white doves in front of the Church of St Blaise and the raising of St Blaise’s flag on Orlando’s column.

On the feast day, February 3rd, there’s a morning mass to the saint and then a procession of priests and churchgoers file up Stradun bearing reliquaries of the saint and banners before returning to the church. At the church, the banners are swirled and lowered in an intricate display of local technique. It’s also an occasion for everyone to show off the lavish traditional costumes and ornaments.

Priests spend the day blessing the believers using two intertwined candles around the throat which is believed to prevent throat problems. At dusk, the stained glass windows of St Blaise church blaze with light.

In 2009, St Blaise Feast Day in Dubrovnik was inscribed at the

UNESCO’s List of Intangible  World Heritage.

The day of the St Blaise is also celebrated as the Day of Dubrovnik.